| Letter to President George W. Bush | ||
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By
William J. K. Lo 10 April 2002 The Honourable George W. Bush Honourable George Bush As a private citizen of Taiwan who cares deeply for the fate of our nation, it was with much interest that I followed the reporting of your recent address to an audience at the State Department April 4, 2002. I take this opportunity to personally applaud you for the terminology you used in relation to our country, quote: "We helped bring China and Taiwan into the World Trade Organization. And that's good, that's important to recognize and to welcome both countries, both the Republic of Taiwan, and of course China, into the World Trade Organization." Such words spoken by the US President, let me assure you, bring new hope and renewed joy to many of the people who live in this land. For more than four decades under the nationalist dictatorship I grew up with a phobia - a fear of speaking my mind and expressing my heart, basically being denied the right to be the person I am. Undoubtedly, Mr. President over the last fifteen years or so you will have witnessed, with the rest of the world, the seeds of a democracy taking root in Taiwan, culminating in the wonderful and peaceful transition of power two years ago when President Chen and Vice President Lu came into office. Many individuals and churches prayed and struggled long and hard for freedom and democracy but still a burden hangs over us; fear continues to restrain our voices and hampers our international relations. In some respects, I have come to view the military threats and diplomatic pressures the government of China directs towards my people and country as a new form of "apartheid." Whereby a peace-loving nation of 23 million people, which has a President chosen by the people, an autonomous democratic government, a highly-developed society with a sustainable economy (facts that incidentally, meet the criteria for UN membership), is oppressed and denied basic God given human rights of self determination and identity, and is denied opportunities for full participation in the international community as equal partners with other nations. Your reference to "both countries" and to the "Republic of Taiwan" served to affirm us and encourages us to continue in our pursuit of identity as a sovereign country. We trust that you and the people of the US, a nation that upholds freedom, justice and human rights in many fields, will truly understand fully our struggles and hear our plea to be recognized as a people. As I say we are a peace-loving nation and are committed to full participation in the international family of nations. We want to live in peace and harmony with all our neighbours, of course including China, in the Asia Pacific region and indeed the world. In my heart it is a very simple issue, I know myself to be Taiwanese and all I ask is for the God given right to be who I am in the land of my birth and to share the abundant blessings, heritage and gifts of my homeland within the ecumenical and global communities as a Taiwanese citizen. In closing, I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to your administration and the US Congress for supporting Taiwan's entry into WTO and again in recent weeks as you have personally endorsed and signed a bill to back up Taiwan's campaign to obtain observer status at the annual assembly of the World Health Organization in Geneva next May. Such acknowledgement and affirmation are very significant to us. However, we hope that this will only be the first phase and that Taiwan will eventually secure full membership in WHO. Like the rest of the world Taiwan was devastated at the incredulous events of 911 Terrorist attacks and the prayers of our people have been fervent for the victims and their families. Our country is no stranger to national tragedies but there is a difference between natural calamites like earthquakes and those enforced on us by other humans. While justice is vital on the other hand, we do not advocate war as means to settle the conflicts, tensions and hatred. Still we realize the enormity of the situation and continue to pray for an early and peaceful resolution in Afghanistan and the Middle East. The Lord bless you and guide you daily in your enormous task both in leading your own country and through your vital participation in the international arena. Be assured of my prayers for you personally, and for justice and peace in these critical times. Respectfully
yours, William J. K. Lo cc. American Institute
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